New board members assume the majority

LAKEWOOD RANCH — When Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 6 met Nov. 20, the majority of its board was new to the public spotlight.

Three of five board members attended their first meeting as a district supervisor: Susan Ellis, Henry Hofeler and Jim Rogoze.

The trio campaigned together, pledging jointly to run the district as a business, to preserve and enhance quality of life, cooperate with the homeowners association and maintain open communication, among other pledges.

In a 3-2 vote, the board selected Rogoze as board chairman, Hofeler as vice chairman and Ellis as treasurer. Board members Jane Bruyer and James Hill dissented.

Rogoze then welcomed audience members and promised initiatives designed to fulfill promises to residents. Such initiatives include fostering a working relationship with the homeowners association, such as coordinating sidewalk cleaning efforts, for example, and to improve the landscaping at the Balmoral Woods Boulevard entrance, Rogoze said.

“There will be other things that come along,” Rogoze said. “We’re not wanting to get too many things on the plate right away.”

The new board members replace recently retired supervisors Richard Williams, Bob Burstein and Doug Ferry.